Woman Life Freedom

Natasha Monfared is a Hull-based artist who predominantly works in sculpture. Driven by her Iranian heritage, Monfared addresses political and cultural conflicts in Iran. Her work profiles the consistent resistance of Iranian women against oppressive laws such as the compulsory veil and the ban on attending stadiums. Acting as a voice for these women who lack freedom of speech, Monfared raises awareness of a fleeting moment of protest caught in the media.

Most recently Monfared has been reflecting on protests which were sparked by the death of Iranian-Kurdish woman Mahsa Jina Amini, who was in police custody at the time for failing to adequately cover her hair. This new body of work acknowledges the life-changing injuries suffered by those who have been attacked by the authorities while protesting. 138 enlarged air rifle pellets line the walls of the gallery, each one representing a man, woman or child who has been blinded through targeted firing. They recognise the individual resistance of each person who has fought against decades of injustice and inequality. The stained-glass windows draw on designs found in Iranian temples, the beauty of their light effects encourages contemplation, and hope for a more compassionate future for Iran.